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^Reo springs, ^ortlj Carolina

1889 - 1979

NINETIETH ANNIVERSARY

June 3, 1979

Dr. Robert G. HallGuest Minister

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CHURCH OFFICERS

Pastor

Rev. Joseph Chalmers McCutchen

Elders

Joseph C. McCuchen, Moderator

L.E. Baldwin

Ben CampenJ.B. McCloskey

R.A. McConnaughey, Jr.

Worth Currie, Jr.

Frank McDonaldDuncan McGoogan

A.K. Lovin

John K. McGirt, Clerk

R.D. McMillan, Sr.

W. Edwin McNeill

Mrs. Elbert McPhaulEarle Watson

Deacons

John Buie

Billy Currie

Lewis McFaydenMrs. C.T.Johnson, Jr.

W.H. Powell

Stewart Tolar

Allen WarrenRobert Currie

G.R. GrahamGates Harris

Donald HumphreyGeorge Paris

W.H. TempletonDonald WatsonC.E. Zedaker

John McArthur, III

Reid B. GranthamCarl Mcllwain, Jr.

C.T.Johnson, Jr.

Graham, King

James M. Owen, Jr.

John Robertson

J.E. Watson

PASTORS OF THE CHURCH

JohnM. Clark 1889-1893

Samuel M. Rankin 1894-1897

D.W. FoxS.S 1897-1899

Charles F. Rankin 1899-1905

John V. McCallS.S 1905

Charles G. Vardell S.S 1905-1906

Robert W.Joplin 1906-1911

Charles G. Vardell S.S 1911-1912

JohnJ. Hill 1912-1921

James B. Black 1921-1945

H. Tucker Graham Supply Pastor 1945

Thomas A. Fry, Jr 1946-1951

Samuel D. Maloney 1952-1954

Robert G. Hall 1955-1974

Thomas A. Guiton Supply Pastor 1974-1975

Joseph C. McCutchen 1975-

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PAST ELDERS IN THE RED SPRINGS CHURCHJohn A. McKay M.C. McQueenJohn McLean W.D. Herring

Neill R. Brown F.B. ThrowerPeter McQueen Robert Chapman, Sr.

Major Jesse R. McLean W.B. TownsendA.D. McLeod D.E. SmithR.F. Currie A.T. McCallum

WJ. McLeod J.W. HodginD.R. Mclver J.C. SnoddyCapt. T.F. Johnston L.W. Currie

David G. Robeson, Sr. G.T. Bullock

Dr. B.F. McMillan Dr. H.H. HodginTames A. McNeillj J.H. TownsendLucius McRae John C. GrahamW.M. Roberts Z.V. McMillanG.R. Dupry Dr. C.T.Johnson, Sr.

J.A. McRae Neill P. Clinton

Walter A. Bullock James W. Carruth

Earnest Graham R.D. McMillan, Tr.

John H. McKay James McKayNeill McKinnon Cecil Parsons

Hiram Grantham, Sr. Charles G. Vardell, Jr.

G.O. McBroom W.R. Bullock

A.S. McKeithan

PAST DEACONS OF THE RED SPRINGS CHURCHPeter McQueenW.M. Roberts

John A. BrownDaniel W. Biggs

A.T. McCallumDr.J.L. McMillanLucius McRaeJ.M. Buie, Life MemberEdwin C. McNeill

Martin McKinnonW.E. Garrett

Hector Currie

W.J.JohnsonHiram Grantham, Sr.

J.A. Byrne, Sr.

L.B. McKellar

H.E. McLeodW.B. TownsendH.G. Mcintosh

W.P. KayMrs. R.A. McConnaughey, Jr.

J.Q. AdamsE.F. Neighbors

G.T. Ashford, Sr.

E.H. Alexander

G.T. Ashford, Jr.

W. Edwin McNeill, Sr.

D.M. BrownW.R. Bullock

Robert Cathey

R.A. McConnaughey, Jr.

W.E. McConnaughey, Jr.

Gilbert Conoly

Worth Currie, Jr.

Frank McDonaldLoren Epton

James A. GrahamHiram Grantham, Jr.

Henry Hodgin, Jr.

W.D. McKay, Jr.

Mrs. Elbert McPhaul

A.K. Lovin

Robert MarrD.M. McMillan

J.P. McMillan, Jr.

R.D. McMillan, Sr.

Wilton Brock

John L. McNeill

Andrew Shepherd

A.F. Tolar

Earle A. WatsonHenry Webster, Jr.

Milton BrownJames M. Owen, Sr.

Clarence A. Bailey

Charles Hill

Galen Harris

Ralph McQueenL.B. BlackmonN.H. WatsonHerbert BrownCharles T. Mclntyre

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Sketch of First Church Building1889

Drawn by Miss Mary E. McMillan

(5)

Historical Sketch

of

The First Presbyterian Churchof

Red Springs, North Carolina

The first known religious history of this section began in 1757 when ser-

vices were held at a place about four miles south of McPhaul's Mill, which

was later organized as Raft Swamp Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. James Campbell, a Scotsman, had come over to join the Synodof Philadelphia about 1730, and had been persuaded by the Rev. HughMcAden to come down to North Carolina, Mr. McAden had visited this area

as a missionary about 1754, and had seen the great need for religious instruc-

tion among the Highland Scots.

The Rev. Mr. Campbell began his ministry in the now famous old churches

of Barbecue, Bluff, and Longstreet. These three churches, with Brown Marshand Black River, formed a nucleus from which all churches in Fayetteville

and Wilmington Presbyteries have sprung.

Mr. Campbell also preached on occasion at Raft Swamp from a stand in

the grove before the church building was erected, and a Sabbath School was

organized.

This old church wielded a powerful influence, and one result of its ministry

was the organizing of Antioch Church in 1833, which later proved to be a

great influence on the Red Springs Church.

The first six ordained ministers in Fayetteville Presbytery were sons of Raft

Swamp, two of whom were sent to Mississippi by Synod as missionaries to the

Natchez country about 1804.

It is interesting to note that during the Revolutionary War, the Rev. Mr.

Campbell was an outspoken advocate for freedom of the colonies, which

incensed the Scottish people who were still loyal to the king, and threats were

made against him. He left this section and went to Guilford County, but later

returned and is buried across the Cape Fear River from Bluff Church.

After the Revolution, occasional ministers passed through what is now the

Philadelphus community going to settlements in the upper part of the state.

Hugh Brown, "a pious and influential citizen", lived near the road and,

being a hospitable man, his house became a favorite stopping place for these

ministers who often tarried long enough to hold worship services in his homefor the neighbors. This eventually led to the forming of Philadelphus Church

sometime before 1794.

Hugh's son Neill furnished the land, and erected a church building on

Richland Swamp, and a school was established. The people who were

involved had formerly been members of Raft Swamp Church.

Two of Hugh Brown's sons, Daniel and Duncan, became ministers, Daniel

being called to the new church as its first pastor in 1802, where he preached in

both English and Gaelic. He remained at Philadelphus until 1809.

One of Daniel Brown's daughters, Susanna, married the Rev. Hector

McLean, a future pastor of this Church.

The Rev. John Mclntyre was the next pastor, remaining until 1831. Helived to be 103, preaching his last sermon at the age of 100.

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His daughter married Archibald Hay Scott, and this couple were the

founders of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia.

Hugh Brown's grandson, Joseph Brown became the third pastor, and dur-

ing his pastorate in 1833, the Philadelphus Church began sharing its mem-bers with the newly organized church at Antioch.

A new sanctuary for the Philadelphus Church was dedicated in 1861 at its

present location, and some members who were not pleased with this change

broke away and organized Mt. Tabor Church.

In 1874 the Philadelphus Church dismissed about 40 black communicantsto the newly formed Panthersford Presbyterian Church.

Antioch Church was organized by the Rev. Archibald Buie, and a building

was started. In the meantime the congregation worshipped in a grove, with

transient preachers conducting the services.

On May 19, 1833, the Rev. Hector McLean, a native of Robeson County,

fresh from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, preached his first sermonat Antioch, and continued there for 56 years until his death on July 3, 1889.

During part of this time he also preached at Philadelphus.

"Father McLean", as he was affectionately called, was greatly beloved andrevered in this section. One month before his death, a new church was born

in Red Springs from the influence of his ministry.

In about 1880 Philadelphus had started a Sabbath School in this village

"so the local youth could receive their Christian education", and from this

small start came the Red Springs Church with most of its original memberscoming from the Mother Church, Philadelphus.

When age and poor health had begun to affect

Father McLean, a summer ?ssistant, The Rev.

J.M. Clark, was secured a' Philadelphus andAntioch. He also preached once a month, on Sun-day afternoons at Red Springs. The Baptist

Church, the town's first religious building was lent

to the Presbyterians for these services.

The first known settler to this immediate com-munity was Hector McNeill, called "Sailor Hector",

who was, in 1775, granted by King George III a

parcel of land, on part of which our town nowstands.

In the fall of 1888, the Presbyterians of RedSprings began to build a house of worship for them- REV J M clark. d. d

selves as the first step in having an organized church.

The lot on which the church was built was located on the corner of VanceStreet and Second Avenue, near the home of the late Mr. and Mrs. E.H.Alexander. The lot was donated by the owners of the Red Springs Hotel whohad procured their land from Squire Hector McNeill, grandson of Sailor

Hector. The men who signed the deed were, A. and W. McQueen, W.O.Robeson, and Dr. J. Luther McMillan.The building was ready by June 1889, and on June 5 and 6, Fayetteville

Presbytery met in an adjourned session in this place of worship for the pur-

pose of organizing The Red Springs Presbyterian Church. The Rev. A.W.

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Shaw was moderator. The Baptists again helped the Presbyterians by lending

their pews for this meeting.

This new church was organized with seventeen Charter Members: Peter

McQueen and wife, Mrs. Margaret B. McQueen, and John McLean fromBig Rockfish Presbyterian Church. W.H. Carver, H.G. Carver, and Mrs.

Ida Carver Guerrant from Fayetteville First Church. The following memberswere from Philadelphus: Mrs. Mary McPherson, Miss Sarah Black, MalcolmArchibald Buie and wife, Mrs. Annie Robert Buie, John McC. Buie andwife, Mary Ann Buie, Mrs. Rebecca B. Buie, John A. McKay, and Paisley

McMillan. William M. Roberts from Soddy, Tennessee and Miss Janie R.

McMillan were received on profession of faith.

John A. McKay and John McLean were elected Elders, and Mr. McLeanwas chosen Clerk of the Session. Peter McQueen and W.M. Roberts were

elected as Deacons.

On the same Sunday at the evening service Louina Watson and Ann AdaWatson joined the church. Other new members coming in very soon were:

Mollie McPherson, Mary Eliza McQueen, Cornelia S. McMillan, RobertFields, Squire Hector McNeill, and Nellie J. Shooter.

A beautiful silver Communion Service and Baptismal Font were presented

to the church by Squire McNeill, and Mr. and Mrs. John McC. Buie gave a

bell which called people to worship until the new church was built.

Red Springs was grouped by Presbytery with Philadelphus and Antioch,

and the Rev. J.M. Clark was called as pastor for part time service to the RedSprings Church.

On July 28, 1889 a Sunday School was organized with the pastor as Super-

intendent and Mr. John McLean as his assistant. Mr. McLean was later madeSuperintendent of the school, and served in that capacity until his death in

August 1913. He was a most devoted Christian worker who never missed a

Sunday nor was he late for the services.

The church grew larger in membership, some members coming as transfers

from Sardis, Smyrna, Mt. Horeb, Galatia, Mt. Tabor, Lumber Bridge and

Fayetteville.

Covering the period from June 6, 1889 to March 30, 1890, a statistical

report read as follows: "Elders 4, Deacons 3, Examinations 19, Admitted

from other churches 35. Total communicants 54. Adult baptisms 12, Infants

8, Scholars in Sabbath School and Bible Classes 65. Teachers 4, Sexton (a

young boy of the congregation) hired at $1 a month, or 25 f a week. Pastor's

salary actually paid $150.42. Ladies Aid Society $77.07. Spiritual condition

of the congregation looked into and pronounced very good, as all our mem-bers attend very regularly the services of the sanctuary. Financial condition of

the church was thought to be very good. Family worship is regularly observed

by some of our members, and encouraging advance is being made of this

duty generally, but there is room for greater fidelity in this respect. Catechism

and Bible instruction is regular in The Sabbath School, and to some extent

observed in families, though not as much as it might be".

In 1890 a Ladies' Missionary Society was organized with Mrs. Peter

McQueen as president. This later grew into a flourishing Woman's Auxiliary,

and it is now an increasingly active Women of the Church organization.

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REV S. M. RANKIN

The Rev. J.M. Clark resigned from his work with

Philadelphus, Antioch and Red Springs in 1893,

and the Rev. Samuel M. Rankin was called to these

churches, and began his work that same year.

In 1894 the first Girl's Society was formed under

the leadership of the pastor's wife, Mrs. S.M. Ran-

kin. This grew in scope, later to include a Christian

Endeavor organization, and it has now developed

into the active youth groups in our church today.

The popular evangelist, the Rev. William Black

held a successful meeting in our church resulting

in a substantial increase in membership.

It was during Mr. Sam Rankin's pastorate here,

and largely due to his efforts, that Fayetteville Pres-

bytery established Red Springs Seminary in Red Springs in 1896. This school

for women was later called Southern Presbyterian College and Conservatory

of Music, and still later it became the much beloved Flora MacdonaldCollege.

Mr. Rankin not only served as financial agent for the new school, but he

was also directed by the trustees to supervise the work on the first building.

During this busy time Mr. J.W. Gray, a ministerial student, was his summerassistant.

Before he resigned in 1897 to accept a new pastorate in Kentucky, Mr.

Rankin had the satisfaction of seeing the college off to a sound start under

the capable guidance of the first president, Dr. Charles Graves Vardell. AndMr. Rankin's interest continued in the school, which he served as a trustee

until his death in 1939.

For the next two years the church was without a regular pastor, and wasserved by the Rev. D. W. Fox as Stated Supply. Mr. Fox was a retired northern

minister living at Pine Bluff at that time.

In March 1899, The Rev Charles F. Rankin accepted a call to the RedSprings and Antioch churches, since Philadelphus had secured a full time

minister. Mr. Rankin served both churches until 1901 when he accepted the

call to Red Springs for a full time ministry.

Under his leadership here, a manse was pur-

chased, and plans were made and a site secured for

a new church building, large enough to seat the

growing congregation and the college students

and faculty. Mr. Rankin, for a time served as

Assistant Professor of Bible at the college.

After his resignation in 1905, the church waswithout a pastor for a year, but the pulpit was filled

by Dr. C.G. Vardell who willingly served the

church whenever he was needed.

The Rev. Robert W. Joplin succeeded Mr. Ran-kin in February 1906, and the new church building

was completed on the present site during his pas-

torate.

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DR CHARLES GRAVES VARDELL

The corner stone of the church was laid on Nov-

ember 8, 1906. The building was finished in the

spring of 1908, with the pipe organ, now in use,

having been installed in January of that year.

While the church was being built, the congre-

gation accepted Dr. Vardell's invitation to use the

college auditorium for Sunday morning services,

and weddings. Evening worship and weekly prayer

meetings were held in the Town Hall.

On June 28, 1908 the church was dedicated.

Dr. G. B. Strickler of Atlanta, father-in-law of the

Rev. C. F. Rankin preached the sermon of dedi-

cation.

Among the gifts presented to the new church

were four collection plates by Mrs. A. T. McCallum,two additional silver plates and goblets by Dr. D.M. rev c f. rankin

McDonald, and a new church bell by Mr. W. J.

Johnson.

Since that time this church has been blessed with many beautiful and use-

ful gifts and memorials for which the congregation is truly grateful.

Mr. Joplin gave five full years of leadership to the church before resigning

in October 1911.

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REV. R. W. JOPLING

Dr. John Joseph Hill followed Mr. Joplin and was

with us for the next nine fruitful years. He and

Mrs. Hill presented the church with an individual

Communion Service which is still being used.

A year's gap between pastors was filled by Dr.

Vardell until the arrival of Dr. James B. Black in

April 1921.

Dr. Black was a highly cultured and lovable manof God, and endeared himself to his congregation

during his twenty-four years of ministry to this

church. He and Mrs. Black were always ready to

give their best to the church and community.

After his retirement in June 1945, they lived in

Bon Air, Virginia, a suburb of Richmond.It was during Dr. Black's pastorate that the

church celebrated its fiftieth anniversary June 1 1

,

1939. The former pastor, the Rev. R.W. Joplin

preached the Sermon.

Many former members and friends came back

for this celebration including members from the

two Mother Churches, Philadelphus and Antioch.

Three Charter Members, Mrs. Annie Roberts

Buie, W.M. Roberts and Mrs. Rebecca B. Buie

were the honored members of the congregation.

The membership of the church at that time was

315.

In January 1946, the Rev. Thomas A. Fry cameto Red Springs directly from his first pastorate in

Blackstone, Virginia.

Full of vim and energy this young man was

willing to undertake new ventures, and worked to

bring new life into the church. His work with the

young people, including the college students at

Flora Macdonald, was outstanding.

A long needed Educational Building was erectedj

during his stay, and a successful sixtieth year cele-

bration in June 1949 marked another important

event in church history.

In 1948 a set of chimes was installed as a gift

from Malcom McLean and William McLeanhonoring their parents Mr. and Mrs. MalcomMcLean of Maxton and Mr. and Mrs. James Dick-

son McLean of Red Springs.

Mr. Fry resigned in 1951 to accept a call to

Bristol, Virginia. He was followed by the Rev. Samuel D. Maloney in the

spring of 1952.

Dr. Marshall Woodson and Dr. Price H. Gwynn of Flora Macdonald College

filled the pulpit in the absence of a regular pastor.

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REV J. J HILL. D. D.

REV J. B BLACK. D D

REV T. A. FRY

The years of Dr. Hall's

The rotation plan for Deacons was adopted dur-

ing this year, and a church library was started.

A new manse was in the planning stage.

Mr. Maloney's resignation in 1954 was accepted

with regret when he left to accept a position in

the Bible Department of Davidson College.

Dr. Robert G. Hall preached his first sermon in

this church on April 3, 1955. He was the last occu-

pant of the old manse which was demolished the

next year. It was replaced by the present brick

structure to which Dr. Hall brought his bride,

Helen Brown Hall, in October, 1956.

Dr. Hall, a graduate of Presbyterian College andof Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, cameto Red Springs from the University of Edinburgh in

Scotland where he had received his Ph. D. degree,

ministry were active ones.

In 1959 the church started a program for reno-

vating the sanctuary and the educational building,

which included air conditioning, painting andother needed improvements.

Perhaps the most disheartening thing that ever

happened to this church and community occurred

in 1961 when the Synod of North Carolina mergedFlora Macdonald College and Presbyterian Junior

College to form St. Andrews College in Laurinburg,

leaving a painful vacancy in Red Springs.

In September 1964, a new school, Vardell Hall

was started on the old campus which gave this

church a renewed sense of responsibility for the

students and faculty. Unfortunately, this school was

closed in the summer of 1973.

Robeson Country Day School moved into the college building in September

of that year.

A most impressive celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the RedSprings Church was held June 14, 1964, preceded by a preparatory thanks-

giving service inJune 12, and followed by a service of rededication onJune 21

.

On October 14 and 15, 1964, this church entertained the Women of the

Church of Fayetteville Presbytery, and on October 3, 1967, Fayetteville Pres-

bytery met in this church.

The Women of the Church entertained District 3 of the Presbytery October

22, 1968.

Homecoming June 11, 1972, gave the congregation another opportunity

to welcome many visitors. Dr. T. A. Fry, a former pastor preached the sermon

at the morning service.

In 1974, the churches of Red Springs organized the Christian Service

Center which provides food, clothing and other necessities for those who need

help.

When the McManus house, next door to the church, was for sale, the

REV SAM D MALONEY

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church bought it, and it has been used as a recreational center for the young

people.

It was with regret that Dr. Hall's resignation was accepted so that he, Mrs.

Hall and their three sons could move to Birmingham, Alabama, where Dr.

Hall had accepted a call to the First Presbyterian Church there.

He was a scholar, a consistently good preacher, and a good pastor, and the

love of the congregation went with the Halls when they left Red Springs.

The Rev. Thomas A. Guiton of Parkton ably supplied the pulpit from

August 4, 1974, until the new pastor arrived the next spring. The news of Mr.

Guiton's death in 1976 brought a sense of loss to this congregation.

The Rev. Joseph Chalmers McCutchen, with his wife Elizabeth Finlator

McCutchen and their two sons came to Red Springs from Laurel Church in

Hanover Presbytery. He preached his first sermon here April 6, 1975.

Mr. McCutchen, a graduate of Davidson College and of Union Theological

Seminary in Virginia is a talented young man full of energy and enthusiasm,

and he has made for himself a warm spot in the hearts of his congregation.

One of his first undertakings was the reorganization of the Church School

in an effort to create more interest and better attendance.

Family meals on occasion at the church, and the use of Camp Monroehave encouraged a spirit of fellowship.

A monthly news letter, Red Springs Presbyterian Voice, was started in

March 1976 and is mailed to each family of the church.

The Manse was renovated in the summer of 1975, and in 1976 and 1977

extensive repairs and improvements were made on the educational building

and on the grounds.

An amplifying system was installed early in 1975, and on Christmas 1978,

the McCutchens gave a separate microphone which has added greatly to the

efficiency of this system.

Each June a successful Vacation Church School is sponsored jointly by the

Presbyterian and Methodist Churches. There has always been a good rela-

tionship between the local churches.

For the past several years this church has had Spring Preaching Services

each March. Different preachers from this area have brought good sermons

and spiritual enrichment to the congregation. In a sense, this three day series

of sermons is a successor to the inter-denominational Religious EmphasisWeek which was previously held each spring in Red Springs.

Our pastor has been busy not only with this church but with the work of

the Presbytery. He represented Fayetteville Presbytery as a delegate to the

General Assembly in 1978.

The church officers are active in carrying out their responsibilities. Therehave been three women elected to the Diaconate and one woman to the Ses-

sion.

Mrs. Frances Williams Brock was honored by the church in September1978 on the completion of twenty years of faithful service as DCE and ChurchSecretary.

The Red Springs Church has always maintained a high standard of church

music. The choir and the organist-director, Henry Hodgin are continuing

this tradition. The pipe organ was thoroughly renovated in March 1979 whichadds to the quality of the music.

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The Women of the Church are actively participating in the program of

church work. On September 30, 1978, the women entertained District 3 of

Fayetteville Presbytery. There are seven circles which meet monthly, andthree general meetings are held during the year, in addition to the annualChristmas party, and other social gatherings.

The Young People have their own active organizations, and show promise

of good future leadership. They are encouraged to share in all branches of

the work of the church.

This church sponsors both the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts in the com-munity.

Two missionary families are partially supported by the Red Springs

Church. The Rev. and Mrs. Frank Musick of Brazil, and the Rev. and Mrs.

Donnell McColl of Taiwan. Mrs. McColl as Virginia Montgomery was a for-

mer DCE of this church.Three sons of the church have gone into the ministry: The Rev. John

Edwin Purcell, D.D., the Rev. Angus Hodgin and the Rev. Robert McGirt.

And at the present time one of our young men, John Robertson, Jr. is pre-

paring to be taken under the care of Presbytery as he looks forward to a career

in the ministry.

A successful Every Member Canvas was conducted in November and a

church budget of $59,783 was adopted for this year.

We can be justly proud of the accomplishments of the past, but as we look

back on our heritage of ninety years, which we celebrate on June 3, 1979,

let us humbly rededicate ourselves and our future to God's service, while giv-

ing grateful thanks for His continued blessings throughout the years.

CHARTER MEMBERSMalcolm Archibald Buie

Annie Roberts Buie

Rebecca Brown Buie

John McCallum Buie

Mary Ann Brown Buie

Sarah Margaret Black

W.H. Carver

H.G. Carver

Ida Carver Guerrant

John A. McKayJohn McLeanPaisley McMillanMary McPhersonPeter McQueenMargaret B. McQueenWilliam McRee Roberts

Janie R. McMillan Townsend

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